Bengaluru’s Lakes Run Dry: 53 Parched, Groundwater Levels Plummet

Bengaluru: The sweltering summer has taken a toll on the city’s water bodies — 53 of the 183 lakes managed by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have completely dried up. Water levels in the remaining lakes have plunged drastically, with total storage down to just about 35-40% of their full capacity.

As of April 5, BBMP records show the combined water-holding capacity of these lakes should be 31,505.48 million litres, but only 10,980.01 million litres remain. This shortage is having a direct impact on groundwater recharge, especially in neighborhoods near the drying lakes.

In Mahadevapura Zone, 19 out of 50 lakes have dried up, leaving just 2,110.43 million litres out of a possible 9,493.35 million litres. Many residents here rely heavily on borewell water, raising serious concerns about summer shortages.

Yelahanka Zone paints a similar picture, with 12 of 27 lakes dry. Only 4,276.61 million litres of water remain out of a 9,214.08 million-litre capacity.

RR Nagar Zone is severely affected — 12 out of 33 lakes are dry, and just 393.59 million litres of water remain out of a 3,032.31 million-litre capacity.

Other zones faring poorly include:

• Dasarahalli Zone: 6 of 12 lakes dry; only 140.62 million litres of 1,740.31 million litres left.

Experts warn that only a strong monsoon can replenish these lakes and restore groundwater balance.

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